Abstract

GIUFFRE, Lidia et al. Heavy metals risk in urban agriculture. Cienc. suelo [online]. 2005, vol.23, n.1, pp.101-106. ISSN 1850-2067.

Urban and periurban agriculture may imply risks for human health if it is not appropriately conducted. The objective of this contribution was to present a survey of heavy metal content in horticultural soils of Buenos Aires. The information is compared to national and international quality standards, and enrichment factors for heavy metals were calculated with reference to Dutch values. With reference to earth crust, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were increased. Mean and maximum enrichment factors were higher for Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn. Horticultural urban and periurban soils must be carefully monitored considering risk of metal input in food chain.

Keywords : Heavy metals; Horticulture; Urban and periurban soils.